Lobbying is now "Democracy in Action"

[MG1968]

or so says Robert J. Samuelson of Newsweek

Samuelson: Lobbying Is Democracy in Action | Newsweek Voices - Robert J. Samuelson | Newsweek.com

Myth No. 1 is that lobbying is antidemocratic because it frustrates "the will of the people." Just the opposite is true: lobbying is an expression of democracy.

We are a collection of special interests, and one person's special interest is another's job or moral crusade. If people can't organize to influence government—to muzzle or shape its powers—then democracy is dead. The "will of the people" is rarely observable, because people disagree and have inconsistent desires. Of course, the "public good" should always triumph, but what represents the public good is usually debatable. The idea that the making of these choices should occur in a vacuum—delegated to an all-knowing political elite—is profoundly undemocratic. Lobbyists sharpen debate by providing an outlet for more constituencies and giving government more information.

this change in tune is undoubtedly because of the Obamassiah's already broken promise to not have anybody with ties to lobbyists on his transition team/administration.

 

[TheDeeble]

But I thought for the last 8 years we've been told lobbying is evil wrong and kill kittens.

Whatever could be changing that would make lobbying so honorable and neccesary?????